Networking Basics

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Questions and Answers

Which physical topology connects all devices to a single central hub?

Ring

Star (correct)

Bus

Mesh

In which topology do devices connect in a closed loop, allowing data to travel in one direction?

Bus

Point-to-point

Ring (correct)

Star

What is a characteristic of a point-to-multipoint topology?

All devices are interlinked in a mesh format.

One central device communicates with multiple endpoints. (correct)

All devices are connected in a linear fashion.

Devices are only connected via direct cables to each other.

Which topology is best described as a combination of different types of topologies?

Hybrid Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary disadvantage of using a bus topology?

A failure in the central cable can disable the entire network. Signup and view all the answers

What process does MPLS use to forward data?

It assigns labels to data and uses those labels for forwarding. Signup and view all the answers

In a Client-Server network, what is a key characteristic of server access?

Only certain users have full access permissions. Signup and view all the answers

How does a Hub function in a networking environment?

Forwards data packets to all connected devices. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of labels in MPLS?

They simplify routing decisions within the network. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents an access level in the examples provided?

Full access allows users to modify and delete content. Signup and view all the answers

In peer-to-peer networking, what is a common requirement for users to connect?

Mutual password sharing to gain access. Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of using hubs in a network?

They can lead to network collisions as they broadcast data. Signup and view all the answers

How are passwords typically handled in Client-Server networks?

Passwords are managed centrally and must be unique. Signup and view all the answers

What best defines a local area network (LAN)?

A network usually limited to a specific geographic location. Signup and view all the answers

Which component is essential for connecting different LANs together?

Router Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic distinguishes a Wide Area Network (WAN) from a Local Area Network (LAN)?

WANs can link disparate locations over larger geographic areas. Signup and view all the answers

In networking, what does the term 'host' refer to?

Any device that takes an IP address. Signup and view all the answers

Which topology involves each device being connected to a central point?

Star topology Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant drawback of wide area networks (WANs)?

They are usually slower than LANs. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the relationship between 'physical' and 'logical' topologies?

Physical topologies define the actual layout, while logical topologies detail the data flow. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about WANs is true?

WANs can choose their connectivity duration and medium. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is a Network

At minimum, a network is two or more computers connected to share resources.
Resources can include data, applications, office machines and internet connections.

Local Area Networks

Short for LAN which is usually restricted to a geographical area.
Servers are typically used to provide resources to other computers on the network.
Switches and hubs are used to connect devices within a LAN.

Wide Area Networks

Short for WAN, usually covers a larger geographic area and links distant locations.
Typically slower than LANs
Utilize private/public data transport media across phone lines.

Multiprotocol Label Switching

Short for MPLS, a switching mechanism using labels (numbers) assigned to data that’s being forwarded.

Peer-to-Peer Networking

Network type where users directly share files with each other, in contrast to client-server networks where data is shared by a central server.
Users have individual access rights that are set by each user, not by a central authority.
Access rights include "full," "read", and "write."

Client-Server Networks

Network type where clients (individual computers) access shared resources from a central server (computer).
Data is managed on the server and clients don't share files directly with each other.

Physical Topologies

Different ways computers and devices can be physically connected and organized.
Common topologies include: Bus, Star, Ring, Mesh, Point-to-Point, Point-to-Multipoint, Hybrid.

Physical Bus Topology

All devices are connected to a single cable (bus) with a common signal flow.
Devices "listen" for information relevant to them on the bus, regardless of source and destination.

Physical Star Topology

All devices connect to a central hub, typically a switch.
Data traffic to other devices is routed through the hub.
Advantage: more resilient to failures, as a single device’s failure won't affect the rest of the network.

Physical Ring Topology

All devices are connected in a closed loop where data travels in a single direction.
Data travels from one device to the next, until reaching the intended recipient.

Physical MESH Topology

Every device directly connects to every other device on the network.
Highly reliable as multiple paths exist for data to travel between devices.
High cost is a major disadvantage.

Point-to-Point Topologies

Connection between two devices using a dedicated channel for communication..
Example: Direct ethernet or wireless cable between two devices.

Point-to-Multipoint Topology

One device communicates with multiple devices over a shared channel.
Example: a corporate office connecting to multiple branch offices over MPLS.
Example: A local server serving multiple devices within a geographic area.

Hybrid Topology

Combines multiple topologies.
Example: Star topology within departments connected by a larger bus-based backbone.

Backbones and Segments

Backbones: higher capacity connections that interconnect different network segments.
Segments: individual devices or groups of devices connected to a specific network.
Data travels over a backbone, then over the segment to reach its destination device.

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Description

Test your knowledge of networking fundamentals, including definitions and features of LANs, WANs, and other networking concepts. This quiz explores essential terms and technologies like MPLS and peer-to-peer networking. Perfect for beginners looking to understand the networking landscape.